Experiencing Melbourne not as a tourist, but as a local...

Tell us about your homestay experience.

I really enjoyed it because I was traveling to Melbourne for a complete experience, and only in a home lived in by locals as it happens in a homestay, it's possible to experience the culture of the place, its traditions, and to be advised on how to experience the city not as a tourist, but as the locals do.

What did you do in Melbourne?

I visited many of the city's museums, all of which I enjoyed, especially the National Gallery. I also really liked the presence of many parks, large and well-maintained, where you can enjoy various sports surrounded by greenery. The State Library Victoria is beautiful and highly recommended, where you can relax by reading a good book or studying and working under a stunning dome. The Cathedrals and the Zoo are also very beautiful, and they're quite close to the city center. In Melbourne, you can taste foods and experience cultures from all over the world. I particularly recommend strolling along the riverbanks, where there are numerous establishments open all day to enjoy good food, good coffee, and many cocktails. Definitely go see the sunset at Eureka Skydeck 89, and it's a must to have breakfast at Lune Croissanterie: the best French breakfast I've ever tasted in the world.

Any tips or advice for other travellers?

I definitely recommend going to see the sunset at Eureka Skydeck 89, and it's a must to have breakfast at Lune Croissanterie: the best French breakfast I've ever tasted in the world. Make sure to visit the National Gallery, with numerous different exhibitions, and the State Library Victoria, with its wonderful dome. Also, I recommend the experience at the Starward distillery, gelato from Piccolina, buying artisanal jeans from Dejour Jeans, and spending time in the city's many parks, all of which are beautiful. If you're a fan of cocktail bars, be sure to try the Caretaker’s Cottage, with its vintage atmosphere and charming record player music, and Byrdi, where you can try futuristic cocktails as well as cutting-edge gourmet cuisine.

How was your experience with your host?

The experience with the host was unique. It was my first experience on homestay, and I would recommend it to anyone. The homeowners advised me on many things to see and how to get around the city, the right schedules, and the means of transportation to use, as well as local festivals and even made me taste some delicious homemade food for dinner. I had the chance to make friends with people from different parts of the world, whom I met in the host's house and also around the city, learning new cultures and customs and opening up to new experiences in other cities. Living in a major city in Italy, daily life is similar to that of Melbourne, but it's definitely a beautiful city that offers everything you're looking for: relaxation, art, culture, food, nightlife, nature, etc.

Night view of a historic building in the city of Melbourne.

The wonderful State Library Victoria where you can read, study, work with a view of the beautiful dome. In front of the library, you can also play chess with passersby.

Bridge over the river in Melbourne with numerous bars and a beautiful view of the city.

The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, the city's most beautiful garden where, during some months of the year, there is also an outdoor cinema and many places to eat and relax, besides being a beautiful venue for concerts.

Me with the Shrine of Remembrance in the background.

An art colour building in center of the city

The Victoria Market, one of the largest markets in the city, where you can buy fruits and vegetables, fresh or processed meat and fish, there are numerous street foods and stalls selling clothes and household items.

The flower exhibition at the Royal Exhibition Building.

Breakfast at Lune Croissanterie

Melbourne Art Trams